Trans-Tasman Tri-series 2018, NZ vs ENG, 6th T20I Preview: Last roll of dice to earn a place in the final

This Tri-series has already been a blockbuster and it'd be interesting to see if the English can make a stunning comeback and set up a title clash with the Aussies.

Published - 17 Feb 2018, 21:24 IST | Updated - 17 Feb 2018, 21:24 IST

2 Min Read

It will take some time for New Zealand to regain consciousness after what happened at the Eden Park, which halted their ambitions big time. Their bowlers failed to defend a humongous 244-run target, which left a lot of question marks. But the Seddon Park, Hamilton, will provide a completely different track and it’s important for them to not get too carried away with the loss.

England on the other side failed to make their mark in this series. New Zealand managed to win one game, but the English are yet to open the account. However, Australia beating the Blackcaps opened the Tri-series wide and out of the blue, Eoin Morgan and his side still stand a chance to reach the finals despite their horrendous show.

Colin Munro and Martin Guptill re-defined devastation in the previous game but the conditions will be a tad different in Hamilton. Having said that, these lads don’t bother where they are playing and keep the attacking flair intact. This Tri-series has already been a blockbuster and it’d be interesting to see if the English can make a stunning comeback and set up a title clash with the Aussies.

Head to Head

Matches – 15, England – 9, New Zealand – 5, N/R – 1

New Zealand

Their batsmen were outstanding in the previous game, but the Australian batters were a tad better. Nevertheless, only expected in the Kiwis‘ playing XI. Mitch Santner will be back given he regains full fitness. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro will open the innings with Williamson, Colin de Grandhomme, Mark Chapman and Ross Taylor present in the middle order.

The Blackcaps were clearly missing Santner’s canny brain with the ball in the previous game. His addition will be a big boost for sure. Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Colin de Grandhomme will be the seam bowlers for Williamson, with Ish Sodhi and Santner taking the responsibility of the spin department.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Colin de Grandhomme, Mark Chapman, Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

England

It will be a test of character for the English on Sunday. Their skipper Eoin Morgan is all set to return to the squad and James Vince might be the one who has to make way for the Irish born cricketer. Jason Roy and Alex Hales will open the batting, with Dawid Malan, Morgan, Jos Buttler, and Sam Billings following in the middle order.

A big blow for England as Liam Plunkett has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to an injury. This paves way for youngster Tom Curran, who was pretty impressive in the ODI series. Mark Wood, David Willey, and Chris Jordan are the other fast bowling options whilst Adil Rashid will be the only spinner in the XI.

Probable XI: Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Billings, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Focus will be on

Colin de Grandhomme (New Zealand)

The big man has been in decent form of late but is yet to fire in this Tri-series. He was taken to the cleaners with the ball against Australia and will be eager to compensate for it. He is quite a force to reckon with when in full flow, but Grandhomme’s form has been quite vulnerable ever since his career began. If he can fire in this crucial game, his market price will only go a notch higher.

Eoin Morgan (England)

Morgan has played a crucial role in making this English side a dominant force ever since their humiliating performance in the 2015 ICC World Cup. The southpaw has played some magical innings in the process and his side needs him to step up for this big game. He’s back in the XI after two games and might be a little rusty, but one can never underestimate his ability.